It’s been a sad time in our home. Some of you may not know – Nick and I are currently living with my folks, and we have plans to sub-divide their 6 1/2 acre property and build our own home here, too. I promise to tell you all about that soon – but today is about one special member of our family – our horse, Filly.
I say our horse, but she was really mum’s horse. Mum bought her 21 years ago, and they won many ribbons together in Western and Dressage shows, and for the last 10 years Filly was a happy lazy horse, grazing the paddocks. But in the last few months she developed an infection in one of her feet, and try as mum, the farrier and the vet did, it wasn’t to be healed, and she was in pain.
Yesterday, we had to put this beautiful horse to sleep, and she was buried in the back paddock.
It’s funny, I was (much to my mum’s dismay) never much of a ‘horse girl’ – but when an animal has been part of your life since you were 8 years old, it’s hard to say goodbye. It seems like just yesterday I was a rangy 9 year old riding around on her bareback!
On Tuesday I took some final photos of mum and Filly – or, as I prefer to think of them – a girl and her horse. Filly’s wearing the bridle that was specially handmade for her many years ago.
And here’s what I think is the last photo of me and her, which you may remember from a post I did a while back about the Great Australian Granny Square.
Good-bye sweetheart. You had a good life, and you were loved.
I can’t believe it’s been 21 years…
Go give all your fur-people a big cuddle for me.
Jess xx
🙁 Very sad.
I’m so, so sorry to hear about your loss. That portrait of your Mum and Filly is so touching, it honestly brought tears to my eyes. The expression on their faces just shows a quiet, sad acceptance and is just the epitome of love and companionship. Wonderful exposure on your Mum’s face too.
RIP Filly. =)
I remember having my horse buried in the back paddock… So sad! but what a long happy life your Filly has had… 21 years is pretty amazing!
I am very sorry for your loss. Animals become part of the family, and it’s very hard to see them go, especially after having them be a part of your family since childhood.
Always very sad to loose something that’s been such a big part of your life.
Best to think of the good times and not the pain she was in.
Thanks so much, everyone xx EcoInspired – she was actually 25, so she had a good run 🙂